Sarauer next great NDP hope for many members

In the eyes of many Saskatchewan New Democrats, now-former interim leader Nicole Sarauer remains the party’s next great hope.

This is despite the victory of Ryan Meili in the NDP leadership race on Saturday.

As the permanent leader in place for the 2020 election, NDP members are hopeful Meili is successful in carrying the party to government; but he could very well end up being a placeholder of the title until Sarauer decides to run, especially if the party loses more ground to the Saskatchewan Party.

Only elected in 2016, her quick wit and intellect impresses party members and terrifies Sask. Party operatives.

(In his final days in office, former Premier Brad Wall said of Sarauer: “As someone who will long support the Saskatchewan Party as long as it’s around, I’m kind of glad that you’re the interim leader and the deadline for running has passed.”)

Sarauer’s speech moments before Meili was named leader was evidence of how loved she is by the NDP faithful: it clearly energized the room. Some NDP members, having already cast their ballots, continued to lament on Saturday over Sarauer not being one of the options.

Although heavily courted to run for the permanent job of leader, Sarauer was resolutely not interested — at least for now. She is the youngest — and first female — leader the NDP has ever had.

“I’ve been very humbled by the support and honoured by the support I’ve received over the last eight and a half months, it’s been very nice,” she said, adding she is “very exited about the leader we have.”